Tag: miniature tigers

We love Miniature Tigers–it’s really no secret. So you can bet that we’re stoked to see the band come out with another great single on the way to the release of their next proper album. The band recently shared a new track called “Dreaming,” which you can check out below. The song is a nice blend of synth pop, which you’ll pick up on from the beginning when you hear the effervescent synths bounding around in the mix. Then, the vocals kick in and you’re launched into a full fledged pop jam, with a chorus that will lodge itself into your brain and will have you singing right along. Take a listen and look out for

Well folks, it’s been a week since the ATH crew embarked upon Zilker Park for a weekend of music and general debauchery. Gates are open for Weekend Two, but here’s a recap of the highlights from last Sunday in case you’re still looking to relive or maybe you want some guidance as to who to see and who to skip for your Sunday scheduling. Catch each ATH member’s personal take on Sunday and see some gorgeous photos from B.Gray after the jump.

Wednesday night at Stubbs Jr. offered a bill of three gracious acts that seemed to be happy to be playing to the live music scene of Austin, let alone to a crowd that was quite amped up. While the crowd was ready for almost anything, the bill didn’t stray far from the indie and synth pop that Miniature Tigers put out, and each opening act did exactly their job as openers; tantalize the crowd with enough pop jams to get them warmed up for the headliner.

After a really busy few weeks, the going of shows slows down a bit, but there’s a great pop rock show that should be on your radar…you know, if that’s your thing. Miniature Tigers blow into town, filled with catchy tunes from their most recent release, Cruel Runnings. Their tracks are all fun, all the time. But, be sure to pay special attention to openers, the Griswolds. The Australian band is set to release their album, Be Impressive, and the title does great to serve notice to new fans. Plus…it’s not every day bands from Australia get to make it over here…traveling gets expensive ya’ll. Another opener, Finish Ticket opens things up; I don’t know much about them other than they’re influenced by The Strokes and the Killers…so there’s that.

It’s been quite some time since I’ve heard anything from pop hit makers Miniature Tigers. So long in fact, you could’ve told me that the band was no longer making music at this point. With all that aside, I was happy to find out the band was indeed still making music and have a new LP planned for later this fall. First taste of this new album comes our way in a summer inspired, fun tune called “Swimming Pool Blues”. I doubt any of you people out there can deny the upbeat, fun, pop qualities here creating a memorable track worthy of repeat listens.

We will eagerly await new album Cruel Runnings due out on May 27th via Yebo Music.

Thursday night at the ND is one hell of a place to be for some up and coming musical talent. On the bill you’ve got Freelance Whales and recent ATH fave Miniature Tigers. For that ticket price, you and all your friends should be heading out to this show.

The evening began for me with a nice warm-up sweat over at the Mohawk, but I really enjoyed the Minitature Tigers latest album, Fortress, so I rushed over to Stubbs to make sure I caught their set. Sorry, I had to miss the other bands, but it was a busy night in the ATX for the ATH. Follow the jump for more.

A couple of EPs and a full-length under their belt sees Miniature Tigers returning to the fold, offering up another gem of an indie pop record for the masses. Fortress has the band coming off confident as ever, backed by popular demand and praise from the blogosphere, not to mention classic print media like Rolling Stone.

A little bit of tinkering with percussive elements brings the listener’s ear closer on the album’s first track “Mansion of Misery,” just before the drums bounce in, along with Charlie Brand’s vocal presence. It climaxes with a crashing bit of cymbals, right before piano and rising vocals carry us into the end. It’s a formula indicative of where the band lives, switching things up to meet their fancy. They employ it again on “Rock n Roll Mountain Troll,” going in three different directions in just over a minute, but the chorus is where you’ll grab the most pleasure from this track, not that there’s a bad spot in it.

Single “Gold Skull” has the benefit of working with Neon Indian, though you have to admit that a producer can only do so much, you know, if the song isn’t actually there. Electronic blips raise the bar on the band’s pop elements, giving it a bit more of a pulse. Warm melodies come in and out of the song, putting this group on a competitive level with every other band out there. However, this song just has a certain something that rises above the rest, making it a favorite for many lists come the end of the year. From here they go right into another grand number, “Bullfighter Jacket.” Aside from the somewhat annoying “yayayayaya” throughout the song, there’s this ridiculously glorious drum work that accompanies every harmony created by the band. It’s like a more elaborate version of the Dodos, working with better melodies and higher pitches.

But, you should know that this isn’t all about pop goodness and sweeping melodies. Miniature Tigers have a bit more to offer you here. You can take “Dark Tiger” and the fragility in Brand’s vocal display, and you’re in some different world entirely, as if you’ve gotten lost in a world of lollipops and gumdrops, finding yourself reflecting in a bit of solemnity. Sure, there are some light touches of multiple harmonies within this track, but for the most part, it’s lightly picked guitar and a fragile lead singer.

In the end, Fortress is exactly what you wanted it to be; it’s an album with crafty melodies in the pop spectrum, but leaning to the left of the main vein in American music culture. Listening to this album, it seems to have the same craftiness of Grizzly Bear, using delicate touches here and there to build the sonic element within the tracks, but at the same time, Miniature Tigers are a lot more accessible in the long run. This is an enjoyable listen, giving you a sense of positive emotions listen after listen. Definitely a good place to find yourself as summer winds down, and you need a little revitalization.

In anticipation of their new album coming out in a couple weeks, we thought we’d check in with recent New York transplanters Miniature Tigers. We talk with the band about what it’s like to live in the big city, what we can expect from new LP Fortress, as well as a few other goodies we thought you might be curious about. So follow the jump for full interview with frontman Charlie Brand.